Free To Walk The Spiritual Path

A couple in London’s aristocratic circles was in conversation with a foreign guest. Soon the topic turned to religion and the guest asked the lady, whose husband had now moved away to speak to a friend: “So, Madam, you are a believer?” The surprised lady responded: “Well… yes, I am.” The guest continued, “And your husband?” “Why, I’ve never asked him!” exclaimed the lady, “that is so personal!”

The lady’s reply would resonate with a good many people who view their religious belief or non-belief as an intensely personal matter, not to be brought up in casual conversations, nor even discussed in a relationship as intimate as that with one’s spouse. It may seem logical to treat religion as an intensely personal domain, when you move in circles where sophistication and genteel behaviour is the norm. However, in the average individual’s life, especially wherever there is a lot of outward demonstration of religious beliefs – visiting places of worship, performing religious rituals, wearing religious symbols or engaging in public prayer – such discretion might seem well-nigh impossible, even unnecessary.

Urbanisation and greater economic freedom have not necessarily brought about an increase in the number of non-believers; nor can it be said that once you’re a believer or non-believer, you are so for life. Just as seasons change, the circumstances in life do have a large bearing on human behaviour and the one thing that serves as a strong anchor to anyone facing challenges, elation or tragedy is: Faith.

You could have faith in anything – a god, many gods, universal Consciousness, your own Self, a particular temple or deity, another individual or guru /master/ life coach/ psychotherapist – for one without faith does not have the advantage of a strong mooring. And faith brings with it other advantages like a sense of purpose and direction, the strength to deal with challenges, dualities and responsibilities, and the ability to seek out and journey on a path that leads to some kind of nirvana, to that ‘aha’ moment that could be prolonged to eternity.

When asked about their persuasion or faith, more people are likely to say, “I’m spiritual but not religious (SBNR)” – this is now a popular response, especially among Americans who reject organised religion and its more fundamentalist manifestations, say opinion poll agencies. SBNRs are more likely those who are on the spiritual path, but who value independent inquiry free of religious dogma and ritual, who wish to ask and answer questions through a process of Self-discovery.

This kind of approach is very similar to the one advocated and practised by those like the Sage of Arunachala, Sri Ramana Maharshi, who encouraged the seeker to first ask, “Who Am I?” For those who are not comfortable with public display of what can only described as a deeply personal quest, the term ‘spiritual’ seems more apt than ‘religious’ for the former implies a certain privacy and freedom whereas the latter implies going public and also entails participating in collective invocations in the search for Truth.

To be spiritual or religious need not be diametrically opposite positions; one implies the other although the modus operandi may be different. Khushwant Singh would say he was agnostic – neither accepting, nor denying, the existence of a god. However, he said he did believe very strongly indeed in Ahimsa or non-violence, to not cause hurt to another, which is the template of any religion that promotes universal principles. To him, working hard and doing one’s duty were far more important and relevant than spending hours in prayer. This is another way of saying that you are a karma yogi, something the Bhagwad Gita talks about.

“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness,” says the Dalai Lama. All venerated gurus and masters say that once your turn your attention within, to your inner Self, you come to face a vastness that is limitless; something that reveals to you both the microcosm and the macrocosm, indicating the interconnected nature of life that is but a part of universal Consciousness.

Seers point out that once you taste the ambrosia of Self, you are free of trappings; you are unburdened of all baggage; you are Consciousness Itself. And the path to this treasure trove is possible whether you call yourself religious, agnostic, ‘spiritual but not religious’ or any other nomenclature so long as you are aware that this is what you seek and that the path is one that is paved with love and compassion, humility and devotion to the purpose.

“mind is Consciousness which has put on limitations. You are originally unlimited and perfect. Later you take on limitations and become the mind,” said Ramana Maharshi. This view is being increasingly supported by scientific evidence that points to the unlimited nature of thoughts that could even transcend the limited mind as waves of energy that permeate consciousness. Perhaps this is what we call Brahmn, the universal Consciousness that is all-inclusive, all-pervasive and at the same time, infinite. And what could be more fulfilling than consciously choosing to walk the spiritual path without having to constrict it with a particular identity or name, and whether or not a destination is in sight? For, as the wise point out, it is the journey that matters in the end.